Monday, October 21, 2013

Girl raped by gang, thrown in latrine cries for justice 3 months on

Linner Too, a counselor at Gynocare Fistula Centre in Eldoret Town chats with a defilement victim 'Liz', from Tingolo village in Busia. Almost four months since that violent attack, the abused minor is yet to get justice. PHOTO/FILE

In Summary

On the night of June 26, a primary school girl from Busia County was waylaid by a group of young men as she walked home from her grandfather’s funeral.

On the night of June 26, a primary school girl from Busia County was waylaid by a group of young men as she walked home from her grandfather’s funeral.

The gang first beat her up, gang-raped her before throwing her into a pit latrine to conceal their crime.

The attack left the Standard Seven pupil with a broken back and a condition called fistula.

The crime has shattered the dreams of the 16-year-old, who is still deeply traumatised by that violent attack that has left her confined to a wheel-chair.

Villagers who rescued her and arrested three suspects reported the matter at Tingolo AP Camp on June 27. The officer on duty recorded the report as assault but the three suspects walked to freedom after being made to slash grass as ‘punishment’.

The girl is now at Gynocare Fistula Centre for treatment that will include a double surgery to repair the spinal cord.

Almost four months since that violent attack, the abused minor is yet to get justice.

Police are yet to arrest the six suspects, whose names were even given to them.

Butula Criminal investigations chief Shadrack Bundi says they went into hiding two weeks after they initiated investigations following an exclusive story on the girl’s plight by DN2.

The Nation has also learnt that the suspects police want to question include a Standard Eight pupil at Masinde Valley Primary School.

The other is a Form Two student at the neighbouring Inungo Mixed Secondary School. Others are primary school drop-outs.

Following police failure to charge the suspects, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and the Federation of Women Lawyers, Kenya intend to file a case in court on behalf of the abused girl.

The Nation Media Group has also initiated a campaign to support the teenager get justice and treatment.

Through the “Stand with Liz. Help her walk again,’’ campaign, Kenyans have raised more than Sh600,000 for her medical kitty.

Well-wishers can donate to Liz’s medical kitty to Mpesa Paybill Number 61616.